Synthesis of novel 1,4 naphthoquinone-based molecules by an Ugi-type four-component reaction

In an attempt to further exploit multicomponent reactions in the field of 1,4 naphthoquinone-based compounds, we describe an Ugi-type multicomponent approach for the synthesis of novel 3-substituted 1,4 naphthoquinone molecules. The process relies on the execution of an enol-Ugi reaction between an enol-3-nitro-1,4 naphthoquinone with different secondary diamines and isocyanides. The novel methodology showed great chemical efficiency and versatility.